The colossal forward end unit of the new Dreadnought submarine was transported along a public road to the famous Devonshire Dock Hall build facility where it will be integrated with the other submarine sections. The move comes after Prime Minister Keir Starmer's recent visit to the Barrow-in-Furness site for the ceremonial keel laying of the first Dreadnought submarine.
The Dreadnought programme comprises four submarines, three of which are already under construction in Barrow. Dreadnought submarines are due to begin entering service in the early 2030s. They will replace the in-service Vanguard-class submarines – also built in Barrow – in carrying the UK's independent nuclear deterrent.
The challenge of a generation
The Dreadnought Class will be one of the most complex machines ever built and it will operate in one of the most hostile environments on the planet.
As the largest Class of submarine ever built for the Royal Navy, each will boast 26.4 miles of pipework and more than 20,000 cables stretching 215 miles – further than travelling between London and Leeds.
The four Dreadnought Class submarines, each the length of three Olympic swimming pools, will maintain CASD, responsible for safeguarding our national security and way of life, for as long as the international security situation makes it necessary. The Dreadnought Programme is a truly incredible national endeavour.